Real Madrid star Luka Modric made the big claim that last night’s opponents Chelsea were the most “complicated” side they could face in the Champions League this season.
Madrid just about edged past Chelsea over two legs in this season’s quarter-final, with Karim Benzema’s extra time goal yesterday giving the Spanish giants a 5-4 aggregate victory.
It means Carlo Ancelotti’s side will face either Atletico Madrid or Manchester City in the Champions League semi-finals.
Chelsea overturned a 3-1 deficit from the first leg to send last night’s contest all the way to extra time before having their hearts broken.
Modric, 36, was one of Madrid’s standout players over two legs with his display. He’s given huge respect to his opponents after facing them twice by describing them as the toughest opposition they could play in this year’s Champions League, which is a massive claim when you consider Manchester City and Liverpool are still fighting in the competition.
The Croatian midfielder is a regular watcher of the Blues because of international teammate Mateo Kovacic.
“They are a very good side. They are the most complicated rival we could face, for me. I watch them a lot because of my friend Mateo [Kovacic]. I watch them a lot so I know how good they are, physical team and they have so many talented players. I knew it was going to be complicated and it was not over before first result,” Modric said.
Some special Chelsea performances
Yes, Chelsea did lose last night to end hopes of defending the Champions League crown.
There’s so much to be encouraged about, though.
It was a reminder of how good players like Mason Mount, Reece James Mateo Kovacic and Antonio Rudiger really are to go drop sublime performances at the Bernabeu against all odds.
The Blues were unstuck by some avoidable errors across two legs, as well as facing one of the world’s most in-form players in Madrid frontman Karim Benzema.
This is a core Chelsea group that can win more silverware if they stick together, though.
For starters, that means trying to keep “outstanding” centre-back Rudiger once a takeover goes through.
Keep up to date with all the latest Chelsea news and opinion by following The Chelsea Chronicle’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.
Receive a digest of our best Chelsea content each week direct to your mailbox
